Ways To Pick Fireplace Screens
There was a time that many homes had only one heat source. That source was the fireplace. Today, most homes have central heating and fireplaces are installed as more of a decoration than a source of heat. Fireplace accessories, including log racks, irons and fireplace screens can serve to accentuate the fireplace and give it more character and charm.
While a fireplace screen does add beauty, it also makes the fireplace much more safe. Many times a fire can send out sparks that the fireplace screen can help to keep from starting a fire in the home. The screen can keep the sparks inside the safety of the fireplace and prevent burns to rugs and the possibility of starting a fire. Always make sure that a fireplace screen is in place after adding wood to the fire.
Traditionally fireplace screens are very simple and classic in design. They are usually clean and able to work with almost any decoration. Traditional screens are made of copper or brass. The could be made with one or more panels. They are available in several sizes.
Other fireplace screens are designed to look like an antique. They work well in Victorian themed rooms that use tapestries and other elegant design items. The screens use rounded designs and may have swirls, scrolls or flowers. They are used in formal homes and need to be matched with fireplace tools that coordinate.
There are also several designer screens that are available for fireplaces. These screens are very stylish and can be a part of an overall fireplace equipment set.
To choose the correct size fireplace screen, you will need to measure the height and width of your fireplace opening. To the width, you need to add ten to twelve inches. This will give you the ideal fireplace screen width. For the height, add five inches to the height of your fireplace. This gives the ideal width for the fireplace screen.
The extra measurements give an allowance so that the fireplace screen is able to fold. This will prevent the danger of the screen tipping over, but will also allow it to still cover the opening of the fireplace.
You will also find fan shaped fireplace screens. While many of these screens are beautiful, they do not offer adequate size to be effective at spark arresting and may allow sparks to fly out of the firebox onto nearby surfaces. Therefore, fan shaped fireplace screens should only be used for decorative purposes.
Jeff Bridges has always enjoyed the warmth received in front of the fire he currently runs a website where he sells fireplace screens. There they promote many differently styles, colors, and designs of fireplace screens.